Sadly, Pauly D. didn’t have the merriest Christmas. Weeks prior to the holidays, the DJ and former Jersey Shore star told Wetpaint his one wish for the holidays was to spend more time with his baby girl, Ambella.

“We’re working on [our next visit] now,” Pauly told Wetpaint Entertainment shortly after his first meeting with Ambella, which occurred in early November. “I really want it to happen in time for the holidays, hopefully it will. I’d love to get her either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.”

Sadly for both dad and daughter, his wish didn’t come true. The reason? Ambella’s mother reportedly prevented it from happening. Now, Pauly’s going to court to fight for his parental rights.

“He was very sad he didn’t get to see Ambella over the holidays,” a source tells Wetpaint Entertainment. “He bought her a ton of gifts — a ton — and hasn’t had the chance to give them to her yet. He also has a nursery set up for her at his house in Rhode Island that hasn’t been used. It’s really a shame.”

“He’s got a hearing coming up soon where custody and visitation will be discussed,” the source adds. “He wants a judge to formalize things. He’s intent on fighting for his little girl.”